Director, Department of Human Services

Director, Department of Human Services Department: Human Services Reports To: Board of County Commissioners Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt, Salaried Location: Otero County, CO ### Compensation & Benefits - Salary Range: $80,000 - $100,000 annually (negotiable based on qualifications and experience). - Benefits: 6% retirement match, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 12 paid holidays, and either a county-provided vehicle or a monthly vehicle allowance. ### Position Summary Otero County is seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and results-driven executive to direct and oversee the development and delivery of comprehensive county human services programs. Serving as a member of the County Executive Leadership Team, the Director manages departmental operations, personnel, complex budgets, and strategic initiatives while ensuring strict compliance with federal, state, and county regulations. This role provides visionary leadership to a dedicated workforce of approximately 70 employees. ### Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Executive Leadership: Provide strategic direction and oversight for all DHS programs, including Child Welfare, Adult Protective Services, TANF, Medicaid, Food Assistance, LEAP, and the Area Agency on Aging. - Fiscal Stewardship: Develop and administer complex departmental budgets involving federal, state, county, and grant funding sources. Maximize available funding streams and reimbursements. - Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure all operations meet federal, state, and county laws, as well as Colorado Code of Regulations requirements. - Personnel Management: Direct, coach, evaluate, and support management and staff to promote a positive organizational culture and workforce development. - Community Collaboration: Represent Otero County on regional and state boards, strengthening collaboration with courts, law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders. - Emergency Response: Provide leadership and maintain continuity of operations during emergencies, critical incidents, or disaster response efforts. - ### Minimum Education and Experience - Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Services, Social Work, or a closely related field. (Master's degree preferred and may substitute for 1 year of experience). - Professional Experience: Seven (7) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human services, public administration, local government, or organizational management. - Supervisory Experience: Five (5) years of managerial or administrative leadership experience involving direct responsibility for personnel, budgets, and program performance. - Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record, maintain valid motor vehicle insurance, and pass a pre-employment criminal background check and drug screening. ### ### How to Apply To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application packet containing: 1. A completed Otero County application 2. Your current Resume 3. A professional Letter of Interest 4. Please submit all application materials via email to: [email protected]. Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Otero County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.